US20070079428A1

US20070079428A1 - One-piece strapless garments, worn as a functional under-garment or beautifying outer-garment, used to functionally slim, shape and smooth a wearer's individual thighs (Thighbanz TM)

Info

Publication number: US20070079428A1
Application number: US11/514,599
Authority: US
Inventors: Marissa Nance; Sean Montgomery
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-12
Filing date: 2006-09-02
Publication date: 2007-04-12

Abstract

The present invention is a garment that functions to shape, slim and smooth a wearer's thighs, specifically the point between below their buttocks and above their knees. The present invention is a one-piece elastic garment consisting, at least for it's major part, of a smooth, continuous elastic fabric. Construction comprises a band arrangement for encircling a wearer's thigh, below the buttocks and above the knees, with its ends joined by a medial seam. The garment may include friction bands, at its top and bottom, to assist in securing it against the desired location on the wearer's body. The garment is capable of being adjusted comfortably around the thighs of a human. Garment will be available in variety of sizes based on research of national US averages. Sizes will currently include but not be limited to; One (18-20 inches), Two (22-24 inches), Three (26-28) inches and Four (30-32). Both functional and cosmetic, the present invention is capable of being worn either as a discreet shaping undergarment or as a beautifying outer-garment over pants, tights, stockings, leggings, sweatpants, exercise apparel (and the like).

Description

CROSS-REFERANCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. US60/725,618, filed 2005 Oct. 12 by the present inventors.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to under-garments, specifically an improved way they can be comfortably worn to help shape, slim or smooth a wearer's thighs. The present invention also relates to beautifying outer-garments, specifically to improvements in how they can worn to highlight a wearer's unique style.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION—PRIOR ART

Today consumers have a heightened concern with their appearance. There are many reasons why someone may require thigh support and control. Thigh bulge may result from an overweight condition or genetics. Even relatively thin women, who do not require support in other areas, may have a need for thigh control. Previously, a variety of approaches have been taken to improve one's perceived physical imperfections surrounding the thighs including; liposuction, exercise, dieting, as well as wearing of a variety of support garments. While all of these achieve some level of success, none beyond the expensive cosmetic surgery, truly address a person's thighs solely.
Although there has long been a need for a garment capable of controlling thigh bulge, an effective solution to the problem has not been achieved prior to the present invention. Known girdles and foundation garments are intended to provide support not only in the thigh region but also in other regions. Thus they are larger and less comfortable than would be necessary for control of the thigh only. Exercise and diet have repeatedly proven not to have a capacity for “spot-targeting” the thigh area alone, though they are beneficial for a persons overall health and appearance.
Currently established garments address the majority of the wearers body, including the buttocks and abdomen. This overall garment results in visible lines at their edges that can be seen through clinging or tight fitting garments. These additionally can be so constrictive on multiple areas they cause a blockage in blood-flow, which over time can prove unhealthy for the wearer. Certainly pantyhose may reduce the visibility of a wearers bulges and garment seams under tight fitting clothes. However, because of the choice of material and the elastic bands that help to hold the pantyhose on a wearer's body, pantyhose can be both hot and uncomfortable.
A need has also existed for a solution to a problem experienced by women who wear conventional shaping garments and thus cannot gain unobstructed access to their crotch area to perform bodily functions. Normally, the entire garment has to be removed and/or a variety of snaps, buttons, Velcro, zippers or other fasteners must be opened and subsequently closed. This may also be especially difficult for someone who is physically handicapped. The prior art discloses an array of garments that may not posses the positive attributes the current invention provides.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,832 to Morrison, Jr. describes a garment that covers both the lower half of a torso and at least another part of the wearer's lower body. The Morrison/U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,832 registration describes elasticity greater only in the midsection of the garment. The Morrison/U.S. Pat. No. 6,061,832 device provides very little in terms of overall contouring of a wearer's thighs exclusively and conveniently.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,486 to Huang describes a garment that shapes the wearer's body using it's stretchable material. The Huang/U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,486 is described as having straps, having complex stitching on the front and rear of the undergarment and having a zipper on the lateral side. The Huang/U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,486 device has straps, a zipper and complex stitching meaning it cannot be put on easily, it cannot be worn with certain types of clothing, and/or cannot be easily manufactured.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,704,942 to Lazarian describes a garment that shapes the wearer's body using it's stretchable material by covering the body from between the knees and thighs to the waist and bust. The Lazarian/U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,486 is described as having a pleated crotch opening for urination. The Lazarian/U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,486 device provides very little in terms of overall contouring a wearer's thighs exclusively and conveniently. The Lazarian/U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,486 provides very little ease in bodily functions without having to adjust and arrange it's pleated crotch opening.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION—OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforesaid prior art limitations and more. Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention provide a garment allowing the following features:
The present invention relates to cosmetically functional support-garments for the wearer, and particularly to unique unitary, strapless bands for controlling, smoothing, shaping, bulging, rippling (and the like) the thigh. The garment is worn by slipping each individual leg of the wearer through a band. The garment is then pulled up the leg and adjusted to cover the desired area of the wearer's body between below the buttocks and above the knees. Each garment will be available in variety of sizes based on research of national averages. Sizes will include but not be limited to a circumference of; One (18-20 inches), Two (22-24 inches), Three (26-28) inches and Four (30-32).
Among the principal objects of the present invention are to provide a garment that is effective in it's control of the shape and appearance of the wearer's thigh without being uncomfortable or noticeable and to provide a garment that can be clandestinely worn next to the body achieving a natural appearance without visible lines seen through outer clothing. To achieve this either or both of the upper and lower peripheral edges of the garment may or may not be treated with a friction band made of a slip resistant material. This can further assist in providing a desirable shape to the thighs. The present invention can be used for a wearer's thighs, much the in the same way a brassiere is designed to clandestinely shape and hold a woman's breasts.
As an advantage of the present invention in shaping and smoothing the wearer's thighs, the elastic properties of the garment will be strong enough to do the shaping and smoothing, but not so strong as to cause the wearer's body to bulge out above, below or within the garment; or to cause the wearer to perspire abnormally and uncomfortably; or to hinder, interfere with or hold-up the circulation of blood-flow in anyway.
This is a unique one-piece garment with an advantage of continually working without the need to remove the garment from the wearer or to undo snaps, buttons, zippers, Velcro (or the like hardware fasteners); as an advantage it can also be donned and doffed readily facilitating performing one or more bodily or hygienic functions. The term “bodily functions”, as used herein, shall include, without limitation, urinating, defecating, applying or replacing a tampon or sanitary pad or other menstrual protection, or performing any other type of hygienic necessary or desirable.
The slip-resistant material can be integrated into the Thighband/“Thighbanz™” in a variety of ways. Additionally the slip-resistant material will be made of materials that are comfortable and do not irritate the wearer's body. The slip-resistant material will be sized and integrated in a way that causes it to be clandestinely worn next to the body achieving a natural appearance without visible lines seen through outer clothing.
An advantage of the present invention is it's aesthetic appearance. Even though the bands can be used to improve a perceived physical flaw, it is important for the wearer to feel “attractive” while wearing them. In addition, the bands may be visible, being worn for purely aesthetic reasons, over optional outer-garments such as pants, tights, stockings, leggings, sweatpants, exercise-apparel (and the like). Here, the trademarked logos, images, photos (and the like) allow the wearer a personalized experience.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can be manufactured relatively simply and easily. This advantage arises partially because the majority of the manufacturing process includes the addition of a medial seam to a single piece of elastic material and the optional addition of slip-resistant materials at the present invention's top and bottom peripheral edges.
Further objects and advantages of our invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

SUMMARY

In accordance with the present invention and it's ability to slim and smooth any unwanted bulging, rippling (and the like) within the profile of a wearer's individual thighs through a functional slenderizing elastic-support garment, worn as desired under or outside of additional clothing.

DRAWINGS—Figures

The invention will be better understood and further objects, characterizing features, details and advantages thereof, will appear more clearly as the following explanatory description proceeds with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings given by way of non-limiting examples only illustrating several presently preferred specific embodiments of the invention and wherein:
Attached are included 8 drawings of the present invention:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of the present invention to illustrate it's appearance.
1-1 is the continuous band composed of an elastic material that applies compression upon wearer to maintain the position of undergarment
1-2 is a perspective view of the front of the present invention showing an example of a potential unique appliqué.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above the present Thighband and/or “Thighbanz™” invention showing it open to illustrate it's circumference for pulling up over the wearer's legs and then surrounding the desired section of each of a wearer's independent thighs.
2-1 is a perspective top view of the inside of the back of the present invention illustrating a single medial seam going from the present invention's top peripheral edge to it's bottom peripheral edge.
2-2 is a perspective top view of the inside of the present invention illustrating a potential frictional slip-resistant material surrounding the band's circumference on the top.
2-3 is a perspective bottom view of the inside of the present invention illustrating a potential frictional slip-resistant material surrounding the band's circumference on the bottom.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from the front of the present invention illustrating how it might appear when being worn.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view from the side of the present invention illustrating how it might appear when being worn.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the back of the present invention illustrating how it might appear when being worn.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS AND OPERATIONS—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Having reference now to the drawings, there is shown a garment generally designated by the reference character “T™” constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The garment, “T™”, may be worn, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, to achieve support and control of each individual thigh in a comfortable and discreet manner.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, garment “T™” may be a unitary structure that is Patent comprised of a segment of elastic material that is joined together, to form a band, using one single vertical medial seam. As illustrated in FIG. 2-1, the single medial seam extends from top peripheral edge to the bottom peripheral edge. It is important to place the medial seam here in a way that conceals it and consequently causes it to appear smooth. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wearing of garment “T™” is obvious from its structure. Because of the described features to garment “T™”, a wearer can easily and quickly put it on by stepping through with each individual leg and pulling garment “T™” over the wearer's lower leg and/or calf up to a wearer's thigh region.
Generally, as illustrated in FIG. 2, garment “T™” is an approximate tubular shape while in it's relaxed position having a diameter ranging from, but not limited to, about 18 inches to about 32 inches, depending on the level of stretch in the elastic material. The exact length of garment “T™” is variable based on the size of the wearer, but generally having a height ranging from, but not limited to, about 4 inches to about 7 inches.
Because garment “T™” is strapless, it relies at least partly on the elasticity of its composition materials to maintain its position on a wearer. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-1, 3, 4, 5 garment “T™” is preferably composed of an elastic material applying compression upon wearer to maintain it's position. Elastic materials known commonly as Nylon™, Lycra™ and/or Spandex™ are among suitable choices. A stretchable or elastic tubular fabric material that tends to stay in position, as illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, is what is desired. It is preferred that an elastic fabric material that tends to be comfortable and return back to original position after stretching be used. In providing a good fit, the material should stretch circumferentially, longitudinally, and horizontally. It is preferred the material used reduce potential discomfort and visibility under clothes. A lightweight fabric is preferred for increased comfort and control. Although any desired coloration and/or appliqué, as illustrated in FIG. 1-2, can be used; the colors and/or applique should allow concealment of garment “T™” under selected wearer's outer garment. Those of ordinary skill in the clothing arts can select the final and appropriate materials.
Further, friction bands made of a slip-resistant material, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3, can help maintain the position of garment “T™” by enhancing the force between the garment “T™” and the wearer's body. The elasticity of the material, seen in FIG. 1-1, of garment “T™”, coupled with slip-resistant material make garment “T™” more resistant to movement. The slip-resistant friction bands, seen in FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3, can be placed on the upper and lower peripheral edges and can vary dimensions. It is understood that persons with ordinary skill in the art can select varying dimensions. It is important to select a slip-resistant material that is flexible and elastic so that it can operate without stretching or breaking. Slip-resistant material is preferably silicone, but can be other materials such as rubbers, soft plastics, and the like. A key component of the slip-resistant material is that it is skin compatible. This can mean, but is not limited to, it is a material that does not cause irritation or damage to the skin and does not cause pain in performing its function.
The means by which the friction bands seen in FIGS. 2-2, 2-3 are incorporated onto garment “T™” can by sewing, weaving, knitting, or the like. Alternatively, friction bands can be adhered by an adhesive-like or bonding means, such as flexible glues or resins. The method to incorporate friction bands onto garment “T™” is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. This is illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 how when combined, both the garment's elastic material and it's frictional slip-resistant bands, should make the garment resistant to movement while being worn
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it can be manufactured relatively simply and easily. This advantage arises partially because the largest portion of the manufacturing process includes the addition of a medial seam to a single piece of elastic material (seen in FIG. 2-1) and the optional addition of slip-resistant materials at the present invention's top and bottom peripheral edges (seen in FIGS. 2-2 and 2-3).

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS AND OPERATIONS—ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the wearing of garment “T™” is obvious from its structure. Because of the described features to garment “T™”, a wearer can easily and quickly put it on by stepping through with each individual leg and pulling garment “T™” over the wearer's lower leg and/or calf up to a desired location on the wearer's body. With any desire to wear the garment “T™” as an outer-garment, over additional outer garments, the same method should be applied
Any desired coloration and/or appliqué, as illustrated in FIG. 1-2, can be used; the colors and/or appliqué should allow the wearer to express their unique style via “T™” worn outside of their selected outer garment. Those of ordinary skill and style in the clothing arts can select the final and appropriate materials.
It is understood by persons of ordinary skill that the optimal dimensions, sizes, and materials for the invention depend on the size of the wearer, manufacturing materials, and aesthetics or design of the outer garment, just like any other piece of clothing. Preferably, within the current sizes of the present invention, it is intended to fit most people, wherein the elasticity of the material allows each current or to be determined size of garment “T™” to fit around wearers thighs of various thickness and shape. Any further parameters for the present invention can be determined.
Advantages
From the description above, a number of advantages of our “One-Piece Strapless Garments Used To Functionally Slim, Shape And Smooth A Wearer's Thighs (Thighbanz™)” become evident:
(a) An advantage of the present invention is to provide a body-shaping garment that is comfortable to wear while effective at slimming and shaping the thigh of the wearer.
(b) Another advantage is to give the wearer's thighs a smoother appearance, with less irregularity of the surface, under clothing when worn.
(c) Another advantage is to provide a decrease in circumference of the thigh when worn.
(d) Another advantage is to provide bands that can comfortably accommodate thighs of different sizes, as desired.
(e) Another advantage of the present invention is a garment that can be put on by a wearer easily by placing their individual legs into the band and then pulling up to a desired thigh position between below the buttocks and above the knees.
(f) Another advantage is to provide such a garment constructed of elastic material in a one-piece configuration that has an essentially smooth contour and a substantially straight medial seam.
(g) Another advantage of the present invention is a garment that can be resistant to movement along a wearer's body by the optional introduction of friction bands with slip-resistant material.
(h) Another advantage is to provide such a garment that can be quickly and easily positioned on the wearer and removed from the wearer and completely eliminates the need to remove garment for bodily functions.
(i) Another advantage is to provide such a garment that is attractive while still providing the wearer with suitable thigh support.
(j) Another advantage is to provide such a garment can be used purely aesthetically over clothing displaying trademarked logos, images, photos (and the like).
(k) Another advantage of the present invention is that it can be manufactured relatively simply and easily.
Conclusion, Ramifications, and Scope
Accordingly, the reader will see that this invention can provide a body-shaping garment that is comfortable to wear; while effective at slimming, smoothing and/or shaping the thigh-area of the wearer between their buttocks and knees. It can be easily placed on, as well as removed, and provides an ease of wearing throughout bodily-functions. It is also a beautifying outer-garment that provides a wearer with a unique means to expressing their individual style. This invention can be easily manufactured to fit a variety of thigh sizes and can be both aesthetically pleasing as outer-wear, as well as, a functional under-garment. Further, the present invention has the advantages in that

- it provides a means to increasing a wearer's wardrobe options by decreasing the size of their thighs
- it provides the wearer with a method of size control that doesn't make them hot or sweaty
- it accommodates a wearer with one comfortable product solution, without having to purchase incremental product, even if the size of their thighs varies in circumference over a time period.
- it accommodates a wearer with any potential physical disability, who would normally find support undergarments disadvantageous and/or difficult to wear.
- it accommodates those without the need to slim, smooth and/or shape their thighs by providing a unique way to beautify their outer-appearance and express themselves
- it accommodates wearers who have not been able to afford current solutions to reduce their thighs and expand their wardrobe choices.

While the above descriptions contain many specificities, these examples act as illustrations of this invention and should not be limiting in the scope of it's potential or properties.
The scope of the invention should be defined by it's appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than just by the examples given.

Claims

1. A functional slenderizing elastic support-garment for slimming and smoothing any unwanted bulging, rippling, and the like, appearance within the profile of a wearer's thigh area between the buttocks and knees, comprising:

2. first and second unitary, strapless bands for being generally horizontally positioned upon both individual thighs of a person, to be worn clandestinely under an outer garment, these bands are joined by a medial seam and may use frictional securing means;

3. within the garment, as claimed in claim 1, said bands are comprised preferably of elastic fabric having resilient fibers with defining lines of force that apply compression upon the wearer;

4. within the garment, as claimed in claim 1, said bands are joined by normal seam garment construction, using a single medial seam of a predetermined size;

5. within the garment, as claimed in claim 1, said bands have continuous, smooth upper and lower inward bifurcate edges, lying substantially in a generally horizontal plane on, and around, the thighs of a human wearer;

6. within the garment, as claimed in claim 1, said bands may have a frictional securing component comprised of a flexible slip-resistant material of a predetermined size;

7. said bands are garments, according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined height dimensions shall be at least four inches and no more than seven inches; the height may extend beyond the aforementioned numbers;

8. said bands are garments, according to claim 1, wherein the circumference shall be one of selected predetermined sizes; the term sizes, as used herein, shall include, without limitations; one 18 to 20 inches, two 22 to 24 inches, three 26 to 28 inches and four 30 to 32;

9. said bands, according to claim 1, provide an ease of donning as they are comprised of elastic fabric;

10. said bands, according to claim 1, provide a unique ease for bodily or hygienic functions without the need of removal.

11. said bands, as claimed in claim 1, may have trademarked images, logos, photos, and the like which provides a personalized aesthetic for each wearer;

12. said bands, as claimed in claim 1, provide another advantage of being manufactured relatively simply and easily.

13. A decorative, cosmetic outer-garment which is capable of being worn over one or more other, optional outer-garments such as pants, tights, stockings, leggings, sweatpants, exercise apparel, and the like, comprising:

14. first and second unitary, strapless bands for being generally positioned upon a wearer, to be worn over an outer garment, these bands are joined by a medial seam and may use frictional securing means;

15. within the garment, as claimed in claim 2, said bands are comprised preferably of elastic fabric having resilient fibers with defining lines of force that apply compression upon the wearer;

16. within the garment, as claimed in claim 2, said bands are joined using normal seam garment construction, using a single seam of a predetermined size;

17. within the garment, as claimed in claim 2, said bands have continuous, smooth upper and lower inward bifurcate edges, lying substantially in a generally horizontal plane on, and around, the thighs of a human wearer;

18. within the garment, as claimed in claim 2, said bands may have a frictional securing component comprised of a flexible slip-resistant material of a predetermined size;

19. said bands are garments, according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined height dimensions shall be at least four inches and no more than seven inches; the height may extend beyond the aforementioned numbers;

20. said bands are garments, according to claim 2, wherein the circumference shall be one of selected predetermined sizes; the term sizes, as used herein, shall include, without limitations; one 18 to 20 inches, two 22 to 24 inches, three 26 to 28 inches and four 30 to 32;

21. said bands, according to claim 2, provide an ease of donning as they are comprised of elastic fabric;

22. said bands, according to claim 2, provide a unique ease for bodily or hygienic functions without the potential need of removal.

23. said bands, as claimed in claim 2, may have predetermined trademarked images, logos, photos, and the like, which provides a personalized aesthetic for each wearer;

24. said bands, as claimed in claim 2, provide another advantage of being manufactured relatively simply and easily.